Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Case Reports

09 Submucosal Venous Malformation Involving the Right True Vocal Fold

Chelsea L. Land; Leticia I. Peltzer, MD Corresponding author: cland@vt.vcom.edu

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus Abingdon Ear, Nose, Throat, & Allergy Associates, Abingdon, Virginia

We describe the case of a 37-year-old male in rural southwest Virginia who presented with persistent vocal quality changes, including diplophonia and dysphonia, as well as inspiratory stridor exacerbated by an acute upper respiratory infection. Social history was significant for extensive theatre involvement of approximately eight years, former cigarette smoker, and active e-cigarette usage. A white, papular mucosal lesion was visualized on the right true vocal fold with flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy in the outpatient

setting. Two months later, operative management with micro-suspension direct laryngoscopy revealed a large, purple mass on the right true vocal fold that was partially obstructing the airway, along with a mild posterior hematoma. Subsequent excisional biopsy identified the mass as a benign polypoid lesion with a submucosal venous malformation. The postoperative course was unremarkable without acute complications. Successful operative management provided symptomatic relief of dyspnea

and hoarseness. This case highlights the unusual presentation of a venous malformation within the vocal cord, rather than what initially appeared to be typical vocal cord dysfunction associated with chronic overuse. It underscores the importance of biopsy for vocal cord lesions and highlights the need for increased awareness of potential locations for vascular anomalies, as well as the complications that may arise in the airway.

101 2025 Research Recognition Day